#4: Mats Zuccarello wins the Steven McDonald Award
Zuccarello was awarded the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award before the final home game of the regular season. It was especially meaningful this year, as Steven McDonald passed away and was unable to hand out the award himself for the first time since its inception.
The award is given out before the final home game every year to the player who goes above and beyond the call of duty on and off the ice.
This year’s ceremony had high expectations and it was truly, beautifully done. It was comforting to see McDonald’s family on the ice receiving a standing ovation from the Garden faithful.
Mats Zuccarello was an excellent man for this year’s award as he truly encapsulates everything the award stands for, and he really helped make the moment special.